Stay safe, stay connected during the holiday season

19 Dec 2017

View Holiday Hot Tips from Neighbourhood Watch NT

COTA hosted a Neighbourhood Watch NT presentation which included useful advice for going away:

• let your neighbours know when you are away – they can report suspicious behaviour
• complete an Absentee Owner Advice Form (available from your local police station)
• ask neighbours or friends to mow lawns
• put your bins out and bring them back in so you don’t look ‘away’
• arrange for your mail to be collected or have it redirected
• set timer lights in your home to come on at different times throughout the day and night;
• don’t advertise your movements on social media – you don’t know who’s watching.

And advice about staying at home,

• keep valuables and gifts out of sight and not under the tree
• don’t advertise to everyone what you got for Christmas by leaving packaging outside
• prevent unwanted visitors from entering your home through unlocked doors or windows while entertaining
• lock up even when you’re home
• mark your property using a Neighbourhood Watch NT UV Marker Kit (available from your local police station)
• and always report suspicious behaviour – Emergency Only 000 / Police Assistance 131444 / Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

COTA NT is closing its offices to the public until the end of January. Please see our website for more information. You may want to note the following phone numbers and websites to stay connected.

For information on cyclone safety, visit the Northern Territory Emergency Service website, www.pfes.nt.gov.au and visit www.bom.gov.au/nt for weather updates. Consider signing up for TIO’s free weather alerts (www.tiofi.com.au/alerts). 132 500 – TOLL FREE – For emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones

For enquires about Seniors Card Scheme, contact the Seniors Card Office on 1800 441 489 or visit the NT Government website at www.nt.gov.au/community/seniors .

For information about the NT Concession Scheme, visit the ntconcessions.nt.gov.au  website, or contact Territory Families Concessions Unit on 1800 777 704, email or visit a Territory Families shopfront. You may be asked to leave your name, phone number, membership number and short message if the phones are busy. From all of us at COTA NT, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas.

Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice